USA TODAY Reporter Tests Amazon's Zoox Robotaxi on Las Vegas Strip

A USA TODAY Cars reporter experienced a smooth, mishap-free ride in a Zoox autonomous vehicle at Resorts World Casino in Las Vegas. The test ride, which was free, highlighted the comfort and predictability of the Amazon subsidiary's robotaxis as they navigate busy areas across the Las Vegas strip. Zoox develops autonomous robotaxis for urban ride-hailing services.

Its vehicles feature a spacious bidirectional interior with no steering wheel or driver compartment, floor-to-ceiling glass carriage doors and a unique airbag system designed specifically for the carriage-like layout. The Zoox AVs accommodate up to four passengers and are equipped with a 360-degree sensor suite.

An AI system helps the vehicles safely navigate streets and avoid pedestrians while delivering a smoother ride quality than most average cars, trucks or SUVs, according to the reporter's firsthand account.

Bookings for Zoox rides are made through the Zoox app. Rides in Las Vegas are currently free. The reporter described the interior as feeling like a mobile waiting room with plenty of legroom. A touchscreen allows riders to select music through the vehicle's spatial audio system, monitor ride progress and adjust climate controls.

"Overall, what was most surprising about riding in a Zoox for the first time was how inviting the experience was versus being scary and off-putting," the reporter wrote. " Zoox currently operates in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Austin and Miami. Its robotaxi service has accumulated nearly two million cumulative miles and hosted over 350,000 riders since launching in Las Vegas.

In March, Zoox announced a partnership with Uber. The collaboration aims to offer its services to more riders. The USA TODAY ride experienced by the reporter was free of mishaps and did not include any awkward driving or positioning moments.

Floor-to-ceiling glass carriage doors helped with visibility, allowing passengers to monitor the ride from every angle. Even during acceleration the vehicle moved with a conviction that felt safe and calculated rather than spontaneous. The reporter found the overall experience more comfortable than some competing robotaxi services from Tesla and Waymo.

Zoox has not made headlines for major crashes involving vehicle or software malfunctions. Similar to human drivers, its AI and safety systems are not infallible, but the test vehicle exhibited no odd behaviors that seemed problematic. Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Com. Usa Today reported that the Zoox ride felt safer than being driven by a human rideshare driver because of its fluid, predictable movements and unique interior design.